Experts warn against 'geneticisation' of mental disorders

Press Release

23 September 1998

Special safeguards must be implemented to protect people with mental disorders from genetic testing that would not be beneficial to that person, say the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. In their report, Mental Disorders and Genetics: the ethical context, published today (23 September, 1998), the ethical implications arising from genetic research and how the research is applied are reviewed on the basis of the fundamental need to preserve human respect and human dignity.

Consultation on GM crops

7 April 1998

Genetically modified crops are already entering the food supply in the UK. But uncertainties remain about their safety and environmental impact. A Working Party of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics is considering the ethical, social, and regulatory issues raised by the genetic modification of crops and, in a consultation launched on 7 April 1998, is seeking the views of individuals and organisations on the questions posed by this technology.

New inquiry on GM crops

26 January 1998

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics announced today a major new inquiry on the genetic modification of crops. The Working Party will seek the publics views in a consultation planned later in the year. Its terms of reference are:

1. To briefly review the developments on the genetic modification of crops and their impact on human food consumption and the environment.

2. To i dentify and consider the ethical and social implications of these developments including: